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[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Coming up on News 7-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A chemical plant fire goes strong into the night.
And a Roanoke woman has 57 dogs and some cats too. Now neighbors say enough is enough.
Plus preparing for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

And Robin Reed will have the latest on this stormy weather.
News 7 at Eleven is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Affirmative action and race-based programs at Virginia Tech bring out emotional reactions on both sides of the issues.
Tonight, new accusations show the controversy is not over.
(------------)
[ANCHOR =Jean]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]

[Affirmative-Action]

Virginia Tech's affirmation action programs are coming under fire again.
One opponent says he hasn't seen a school with more discriminatory programs.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/File Tape]

Two groups that oppose affirmative action say they have found more than 70 programs at Tech that illegally favor racial and ethnic minorities.
The programs include internships, scholarships, and mentoring opportunities.
The American Civil Rights Institute bases some of its information from the school's website.
A spokesperson from Virginia Tech says the groups are relying on old information.
Larry Hincker also points out information from web sites is sometimes wrong.
You may remember back in March when the school's board of visitors voted to eliminate affirmative action and other race-based programs.
That created a storm of protest on campus and a month later, the board reversed the decision.
(------------)

[Dan-River]

Dan River Incorporated is closing two plants but it should actually benefit Danville.
The company is shutting down facilities in Greenville South Carolina and Fort Valley Georgia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville/File Tape]

Dan River blames the weak economy for the move.
630 people will lose their jobs but the company plans to transfer some production to Danville once demand increases.
The closures will save the textile company nearly nine million dollars a year.
(------------)

[Animal-House]

Neighbors say a Southeast Roanoke woman's love of dogs is a public nuisance.
Caroline Laprad has 57 of them.
But Roanoke City law limits her to four.
Marya Jones looks into a city law that neighbors complain is all bark and no bite.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=They are my babies]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :08]
[SUPER=01-Caroline Laprad/Pet Owner; :17 QUICK!!!]
[SUPER=01-Faye Rothrock/Neighbor; :29]
[SUPER=01-Mike Quesenberry/Animal Control Supervisor; :56]
[SUPER=@Marya1; 1:02]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=MJN7, Roanoke.]
(((///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:15]
((CAROLINE LAPRADE/PET OWNER: THEY ARE MY BABIES AND I JUST WON'T DO WITHOUT THEM.))
[RUNS:07]
There's no question that 75-year-old Caroline Laprad loves animals.
She has 57 dogs that she keeps inside at all hours to keep them from bothering neighbors.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:02]
((CAROLINE LAPRAD: IT'S EITHER THAT OR LET THEM BE SLAUGHTERED.))
[RUNS:02]
But, despite her best efforts, Laprad's dogs are causing ruckus.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
((NATS: DOGS BARKING.))
[RUNS:02]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:39]
((FAYE ROTHROCK/NEIGHBOR: IT'S BEEN NOISY. BUT THE WORST PROBLEM IS THE ODOR. YOU CAN IMAGINE SPENDING THE SUMMER LIVING NEXT DOOR TO A HOUSE WITH 50 PLUS DOGS AND 20 OR 30 CATS PROBABLY. ))
[RUNS:09]
Neighbors like Faye Rothrock say they've taken Laprad to court four times in 11 years.
She's been fined 250 dollars ... but the dogs never go away... even though city law limits dogs to four per household.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT24:49]
((FAYE ROTHROCK: WHY ARE THESE LAWS ON THE BOOKS AND THEY TELL US THEY CAN'T ENFORCE THEM?))
[RUNS:03]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 2:42]
((MIKE QUESENBERRY/ANIMAL CONTROL SUPERVISOR: SHE TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF HER ANIMALS. THE DOGS AND THE CATS ARE VACCINATED. ))
[RUNS:06]
(///// SOT /////)
[SU 31:09]
((marya jones: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE THE ANIMALS UNLESS THEY SHOW SIGNS OF ABUSE OR MISTREATMENT. SO ALL THEY CAN DO IS WORK WITH HER TO TRY TO CONVINCE HER TO GIVE SOME OF THEM UP.))
[RUNS:10]
But Laprad says she won't live without them.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:12]
((LAPRAD: I'LL JUST GIVE UP MY HOME AND TAKE THEM SOMEWHERE WHERE WE'LL HAVE PEACE OF MIND AND THEY CAN RUN AND PLAY. ))
[RUNS:10]
[SOT]
((NATS: DOGS BARKING))
[RUNS:01]
Her neighbors say if that's what it takes to get peace and quiet, they're all for it.
Marya Jones, News-7, Roanoke.))

[Galax-Radio]

Fans of one Southwest Virginia radio station are singing a happier tune tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Galax/May]

That's because W-B-R-F in Galax is back on the air at full power.
Last month, lightning struck the classic-country station's antenna and did some major damage.
The station stayed on the air, but only at a fraction of its full power, meaning many listeners couldn't pick up the signal.
(------------)

[Car-bombing]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

More bloodshed in Israel today- but despite that the United Nations secretary General says the regions leaders should stay on the road to peace.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 10.5]
[SUPER=03-Jerusalem, Israel]

A suicide bomber blew up a bus during afternoon rush hour- 16 people are dead.
[Super=03-Gaza City;]

Israel responded by firing missiles at another Hamas leader in Gaza this time killing him.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12]
[IN Q=]
((COLIN POWELL/SECRETARY OF STATE: WE CONDEMN THIS ACTION, BUT WE RECOGNIZE THAT, AS WE PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD MAP, AS WE TRY TO MAKE PROGRESS, THERE WILL BE THOSE WHO WILL DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO STOP PROGRESS FROM BEING MADE.))
[butt to 1:17]
((KOFI ANNAN/UN SECRETARY GENERAL: I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE LEADERS STAY THE COURSE. WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING IS UTTERLY REPREHENSIBLE, BUT IT SHOULD NOT DETER THE LEADERS FROM MOVING AHEAD.))
[SUPER=@Powell; 00]
[SUPER=01-Kofi Annan/U. N. Secretary General; 14]
[RUNS=23]
[OUT Q=from moving ahead.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT 12 plus pad]

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas is calling for Palestinian militants and Israel to halt all attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed but said his country WILL pursue the militants.
(------------)

[Plant-Fire]

This is the scene there as flames and black smoke fill the night sky.
The fire broke out at the NOVA chemical plant.
Officials say the chemical ethyl benzene is on fire.
There was some early word that an explosion may have sparked the blaze, but officials say they don't know yet if that's the case.
People living nearby have been told to leave their homes.
So far it does not appear there are any injuries.
All employees at the plant have been accounted for-
(------------)

[Central-Elementary]

A major rebuilding project for Rockbridge County Schools is almost complete.
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :15]
[SUPER=03-Lexington;]
For the past school year, workers have been refurbishing and building an addition to Central Elementary while classes have been in session.
While the renovations have been going on, the construction work has provided teachers with some unique teaching opportunities.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT - 30:04]
[IN Q=]
((HARRY STONE/CENTRAL ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL; I THINK OUR KIDS HAVE HAD A NEAT OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THEIR SCHOOL BE BUILT UP AROUND THEM. I MEAN, SERIOUSLY, HOW MANY KIDS GET TO DO THAT? THEY MAY MOVE INTO A NEW SCHOOL, BUT IT WAS BUILT BEFORE THEY GOT THERE. OUR KIDS HAVE SEEN IT BUILT RIGHT UP AROUND THEM, AND I THINK THEY'VE ENJOYED THAT.))
[SUPER=01-Harry Stone/Central Elementary Principal]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=think they've enjoyed that.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :11+]
Rockbridge County spent 6 million dollars on the project.
Officials say the school will be able to hold about a hundred more students when school starts back up in the fall.
(------------)

[Jamestown]

Jamestown will soon mark an historic milestone and the rest of the state is getting in on the celebration.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

In 2007, the state will observe the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown with a two-year long series of events.
20 communities, including Lexington and Lynchburg, are already planning their own commemorative projects to coincide with the event.
Lexington plans to extend the Chessie walking trail and Lynchburg hopes to start a "ghost walk."
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 12:31:44]
[IN Q=IT GAVE US A WONDERFUL]
((JOHN KNAPP/MAYOR OF LEXINGTON: IT GAVE US A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY. WE'VE GOT SO MUCH TO SHOW OURSELVES, THE STATE THE NATION.))
((GOVERNOR MARK WARNER: BY EXPANDING IT BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE JAMESTOWN AREA AND INVOLVING COMMUNITIES ALL OVER VIRGINIA WE ARE GOING TO TRULY MAKE THIS A STATEWIDE COMMEMORATION.))
[SUPER=01-John Knapp/Mayor of Lexington; :00]
[SUPER=@MarkWarner; :07]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=MAKE THIS A STATEWIDE COMMEMORATION.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Organizers say the goal is to involve every community.
They expect the quadricentennial event to bring a flood of tourists and money to the state.
(------------)

[Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[WRITER=dse]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Was it bad intelligence or a bad decision?
Some Democrats want to investigate the decision to attack Iraq. More on that when News 7 returns.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And police thought they had their man, when a security camera caught a bank robber.
But a local man ended up being wrongly accused and jailed.
(-------------)

[Sports-preview]

[Colbert]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-23 TC23:40]
[GRAPHIC=None]
They may have gotten the wrong guy when they arrested Vater Colbert (VAY-ter COHL-bert) for bank robbery .
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/April 28]
He says enough people called the police department after seeing this picture taken from the bank's surveillance camera, that investigators zeroed in on him.
Reverend Colbert remained in jail until authorities developed a lead on a suspect in some similar robberies.
They're interviewing him in Ohio.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[SS=None]
Though the charges were dropped Monday morning, Colbert got out of jail only yesterday, just in time for him to get to his daughter's High School graduation.

[Carjacking]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tco]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The search is on in Missouri for a mentally disabled boy abducted in a carjacking.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-St. Louis, MO]
Investigators say someone jumped into this S-U-V this morning as the driver was making a call from a pay phone. The 9-year-old boy was asleep in the back seat.
The stolen S-U-V was later found parked in front of a house in a residential neighborhood, but Christian Ferguson was no where to be found.
Police say the vehicle has no connection to anyone living at the residence.
At least six canine units searched the area around two sets of railroad tracks near the home.
(------------)

[Iraq-Weapons]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq War]

As the search goes on for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq- the hunt for answers begins on Capitol Hill.
Some lawmakers want to know if the Bush Administration exaggerated intelligence to make its case for war.
Teri Okita has the latest from Washington.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:31:52]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=04-File Tape; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Pat Roberts/(R) Intelligence Committee Chairman; :23]
[SUPER=@Okita1; :28]
[SUPER=01-Sen. John Warner/(R) Intelligence Committee; :46]
[Super=01-Hans Blix/Outgoing Chief U. N. Weapons Inspector; 1:12]
[RUNS=1:39]
[OUT Q=standard outcue.]
((TWO MONTHS AFTER SADDAM HUSSEINS REGIME WAS TOPPLED,
THERES STILL NO SOLID PROOF THAT IRAQ HAD BANNED WEAPONS. THE BUSH
ADMINISTRATION PUSHED WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AS A MAIN REASON FOR
INVADING, BUT WITH NO SMOKING GUN, LAWMAKERS ARE NOW TAKING A CLOSER
LOOK AT PRE-WAR INTELLIGENCE.
Sen. Pat Roberts/R-Intelligence Committee Chairman:
We will have hearings in conjunction with basically what we are trying to do our homework on, which is to go through all the
documentation. It is considerable.
Teri Okita/Reporting:
THESE ARE ROUTINE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEWS, BUT SOME DEMOCRATS ARE CALLING FOR A FORMAL INVESTIGATION. THEY WANT TO KNOW WHETHER THE INTELLIGENCE WAS INACCURATE OR EVEN MANIPULATED BY THE WHITE HOUSE TO STRENGTHEN ITS POSITION.
REPUBLICANS SAY, AT THIS POINT, THERES NO EVIDENCE OF WRONGDOING AND NO NEED FOR FORMAL HEARINGS.
Sen. John Warner/R-Intelligence Committee:
The evidence that I have examined does not rise to give the presumption that anyone in this administration has hyped or cooked
or embellished such evidence.
AND REPORTS THAT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION PRESSURED OUTGOING CHIEF WEAPONS INSPECTOR, HANS BLIX, TO USE MORE CRITICAL LANGUAGE WHEN TALKING ABOUT IRAQ'S ALLEGED WEAPONS PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN
CATEGORICALLY DENIED.
Hans Blix/Outgoing Chief U.N. Weapons Inspector:
.. correct relations ... all the way through ... difference on interviews with Iraqi scientists ... perfectly civil.
LAST TRACK OR LIVE STAND-UP
SO FAR, U-S TEAMS HAVE ONLY SEARCHED A THIRD OF THE KNOWN WEAPONS SITES, BUT THOSE PUSHING FOR A FORMAL INVESTIGATION BELIEVE AMERICA'S CREDIBILITY IS AT STAKE))

[Monkeypox]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tco]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The U-S government is taking new action today to try to prevent the spread of monkeypox.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The federal government is banning the sale of prairie dogs as part of an aggressive response to stop the spread of monkeypox.
The disease is actually a relative of the much deadlier smallpox.
Government health officials say people exposed to monkeypox need the smallpox vaccine.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="Studies have shown..."]
((DR. DAVID FLEMING/CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL: STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE SMALLPOX VACCINATION IS ABOUT 85-PERCENT EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING MONKEYPOX.))
[SUPER=01-Dr. David Fleming/Centers for Disease Control]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q="...preventing monkeypox."]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
C-D-C officials say prairie dogs were most likely infected with the virus from a shipment of African rodents, those animals are now barred from entering the country.
The Government is now investigating at least 15 states with prairie dogs possibly infected with monkeypox.
Human cases of the disease have been confirmed in at least three states, no deaths have been reported.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[SS=none]

One expert at Virginia Tech says the risk of monkeypox spreading in the Commonwealth is relatively low because private ownership of prairie dogs has been banned since 1998.
[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[WRITER=dse]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[SS=None]

History is a sweet subject at one museum.
Find out why next on News 7.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And from piece of pine... to piece of Americana.
One local carver is re-creating Lady Liberty.
(----------------)

[1218]

An old friend returned to the Virginia Museum of Transportation today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

A diesel engine eased steam locomotive number 12-18 into its new home in downtown Roanoke.
[SUPER=04-May 10, 1985;]

The locomotive was a key exhibit at the museum back when it was located in Wasena Park, but the engine was towed out in 1985 and restored for passenger excursion service.
It had been taken apart for an overhaul when Norfolk Southern ended the steam excursion program in 1994.
Museum workers recently put the engine back together and gave it a new paint job.
It's now back on display, with a new roof to keep it out of the rain.
(------------)

[Chocolate-Festival]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

If you're sweet on history- we have an exhibit that will make you melt.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]

Actually the exhibit itself could melt. It is a chocolate paradise opening this weekend at the American Natural History Museum in New York City.
Pre columbian ceramics used for Chocolate making, ancient chocolate objects and modern day wrappers are all on display.
There are also eight chocolate sculptures made by world renowned pastry chefs.
They include two dresses- although wearing these creations could be messy.
Children can also learn how to make truffles.
The exhibit runs through September 7th.
(------------)

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=EXTRA SP-140 15414tc]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]
Avalanche/Kinston Indians highlights, Spurs and Nets, Jon Wood coems back to New River and, Tech QB tandem is making national head lines, but first our extra point.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockingham, NC; :00]
NASCAR is changing its Winston Cup schedule for next year. The change -- expected to be announced tomorrow -- could strip one of two races each year run at Rockingham, North Carolina. International Speedway Corporation is expected to move the fall race at North Carolina International Speedway to another of its tracks at Fontana, California. The Southern 500 at Darlington could be moved to Rockingham, but could no longer be held on Labor Day weekend.
(------------)
[go to scores]
[go to break]
[SUPER=#556;]
[SUPER=x5011;]
[SUPER=0093-/Lynchburg/0/j/Myrtle Beach/7////Kinston/5//Salem/4//Rain Delay/;]
[SUPER=x5010;]
[SUPER=0113-/Phillies/0//Anaheim/1/4//j/Chicago/7//Baltimore/6///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0113-/Yankees/0/j/Astros/8//Astros Toss No-Hitter/j/Indians/3//Padres/2///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0113-/Rockies/4//Twins/7/8//j/Blue Jays/8//Pirates/5///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0113-j/Reds/7//Devil Rays/6////Cardinals/1/j/Red Sox/13///;]
[RUNS=:25]
[OUTCUE=last score."]
(-------------------)

[S-Avalanche]

The Salem Avalanche would wrap up its three game series against Kinston tonight at Salem Memorial Stadium.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Indians vs. Avalanche; :00]

The grounds crew, the MVP of the Avs over the last month, would put out the effort again in hopes Salem would not be swept by Kinston.
In the top of the first, Kinston's Rodney Choi-Foo drives in Eddie Torrez from third on a single to shallow right and that makes it 1-zip.
Later in the inning, Luke Scott hits this shot to the second baseman, he is out at first but Torrez scores from third and the Avs are in a 2-nothing hole.
[SUPER=37-Kinston/ /Salem/ ;]Not for long. Salem's Brooks Conrad connects on the double right, it bounces off the wal
l and Todd Self scores all the way from first.
Conrad is then driven in by Steve Checksfield after a one bagger. We are tied at two. The game has been in a rain delay since 8:20 and is still in one. Kinston leads 5-4.
(------------)

[S-NBA]

The San Antonio Spurs were looking to go up 3 games to 1 against New Jersey in game four of the NBA finals.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-East Rutherford, NJ/ABC; :00]

Emotions running high all night. Spurs coach Greg Popovich gets teed up on this call.
In the first quarter, San Antonio's Tim Duncan, the go to guy, makes it look easy with the text book shot off the window.
[SUPER=32-San Antonio/76 /New Jersey/77;]. Kerry Kittles, steals the rock and goes coast to coast for the jam.

The nets go on to win the game 77-76 and trail 2-2.
(------------)

[S-ACC]

ACC commissioner John Swofford released a statement this evening in reference to the teleconference presidents call by saying " the discussions tonight by the council of presidents moved the process along. There was no vote taken. The next call of the council of presidents will take place no sooner than early next week".
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape; :00]

Swofford speaking on the fact there was no vote taken on whether or not the ACC will go a head with the expansion of Miami, Syracuse, and Boston College. Big East Presidents sent out letters to their ACC counterparts today, asking for a meeting about their expansion plans. Part of the focus of the letter was to ask them not to rush to judgement and to offer complete information on an expansion plan the Big East calls potentially harmful.
(------------)

[S-Bryan]

While the waiting game continues, schools that compete with Virginia Tech for players are probably not sitting around. Using the uncertainty surrounding Tech's conference affiliation would seem a likely tool by a competing coach to be used inside a high school recruits living room.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]

Of course, losing Miami, Boston College and Syracuse would damage football recruiting for the remaining Big East football schools, an issue Tech junior quarterback Bryan Randall addressed recently.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Bryan Randall/Virginia Tech Junior Quarterback; :05]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=...year in and year out"]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Whatever happens, Randall is confident in his coach and the name he has built in Blacksburg of a national football powerhouse.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=....no matter what happens"]
(------------)

[S-Mag]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Speaking of Randall, only 80 days remain until Tech meets Central Florida in the season opener for the Hokies and the preseason magazines are already in stores. Randall and Vick grace the cover of the new Athlon's.
Jerry Spangler at Anderson News says Kroger, Wades Foods and all Wal-Marts have them in stock.
(------------)

[S-Sirius]

Tony Stewart finally won a race this season, taking the checkered flag at Pocono. He will try and win the Sirius 400 this weekend and finally some of the pressure to win is gone.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Tony Stewart/13th in Winston Cup Points; :00]
[RUNS=:30]
[OUT Q=.....rest of the year"]
(------------)

[S-Jon]

New River Valley Speedway welcomes back one of its favorite sons this weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/1999 Season; :00]
Craftsman Truck Series star Jon Wood is racing in a Late Model Truck at the New River Valley Speedway for the Harvey's 200.
Wood got his first taste success on the track in 1999 when he ran all but four races and won two.
The Gates open Saturday night at four, qualifying is at five, and the racing begins at 7.
(------------)

[S-KJ]

Roanoke tennis product KJ Hippensteel is climbing the ranks in tennis. In the latest ATP rankings he has moved up over 100 spots.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]

KJ is now ranked 455th in the men's division in the world. Even more amazing he is ranked 45th in the entire United States. His jump is courtesy of one singles and two doubles tournament wins. This past weekend he won the Yuba City satellite tournament in singles Yuba City California. He won two doubles tournaments in Vero Beach, FL and in Tampa in the last month. He has bern named pro circuit player of the week by the usta.
(------------)

[Wood-Carver]

One local man has turned his hobby into an occupation that is carving a niche into the art world.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Boones Mill]
Greg Desaulnier (Day-Saw-neeYay) started whittling miniatures as a child, but his latest project is an American Icon.

This 10-foot Statue of Liberty is one of two that he has carved out of pine logs.
He estimates it will take him 150 hours to finish the statue which will eventually end up in a Roanoke couple's backyard.
(///// SOT ///15:23:02 - 15:23:18//)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The chainsaw is...]
[SUPER=01-Greg Desaulnier/Wood Sculpter;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=......hand tools to it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Lady Liberty carries a price tag of around 3-thousand dollars.
You can see his work in progress at the Yankee Whittler workshop in Boones Mill.
(------------)